Cruise and Theme Park Operational Updates due to Coronavirus

[Searc]

When I booked my would-have-been April trip (back in August 2019) I wasn’t asked to enter anyone’s birth date? I also recently booked new back-up trips (and added other party members) and wasn’t asked for any birth dates. Am I missing something?

It's irrelevant if you're all over 18.

 

[Brianstl]

It's irrelevant if you're all over 18.

When I booked my son’s first trip last year I had to enter his age, but the system didn’t ask for his birthday.

 

[jerry557]

I think they may scale back what they are doing, but they won’t leave the front of Epcot torn up for the 40th. I think Mary Poppins is gone though.

Things that have already started will eventually be completed. Some of these projects are half done and already funded. Which means it would cost more to cancel them.

BUT.. not all new construction projects are paused either...

According to this report, construction is starting on Reflections, the new 900-room DVC resort where River Country once was. The contractor just filed notice of commencement.

https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/disney-business-continues-coronavirus

 

[rteetz]

According to this report, construction is starting on Reflections, the new 900-room DVC resort where River Country once was. The contractor just filed notice of commencement.

https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/disney-business-continues-coronavirus

Construction was well underway on reflections before this began. The new horse barn/stable was set to open this spring. Balfour-Beatty who is the contractor on this project said they are following social distancing practices and such as well. I would expect some delays because of that but Disney hadn't said anything other than 2022 for this resort anyways.

 

[WonderlandisReality]

I think that Tron is too far along to go the way of the Legendary Years.
But the Spine at EPCOT has to be finished before the 50th, I would be more worried about all the EPCOT side project... like the Mary Poppins attraction and the Moana water feature. And of course the Star Wars hotel will probably be put on hold for a couple of years.

At this point if they reopen soon I would accept them keeping EPCOT closed a couple of months more so they could finish the center and get rid of all the construction walls.

Interesting coincidence. The 2 buildings that were done for the legendary years, then sat, then eventually became 2/3 of The Little Mermaid section at AOA were in the stages of a room renovation and have been caught up in this shutdown too I believe. The building on the skyliner/lake side is/was only partially completed before mid March.
I actually hope they do finish that, new rooms look much easier to keep sanitary.

 

[Karin1984]

Ok, I've got some more news from Disneyland Paris. The drummers, who were going to participate in the reprise of the JungleBook Jive show (Rhythms of the Jungle) this summer, mentioned on Social Media that their gig got cancelled. As the drummers are a major part (and in my opinion the best part ;-) ) of the show, either it's going to be heavily modified or cancelled completely.

I think it could work to keep the show with just the characters and maybe the dancers operating/pulling the large animals. Maybe just the lead singer can still join on stage, maybe with two dancers, I think each stage section is big enough to have distance between the singer and the dancers. Other idea I had was to clear the hub entirely for guests and use the space on the hub for some additional dancers.

Of course the crowds will still be a problem, but I think the show itself can be done.

 

[yankeesfan123]

Ok, I've got some more news from Disneyland Paris. The drummers, who were going to participate in the reprise of the JungleBook Jive show (Rhythms of the Jungle) this summer, mentioned on Social Media that their gig got cancelled. As the drummers are a major part (and in my opinion the best part ;-) ) of the show, either it's going to be heavily modified or cancelled completely.

I think it could work to keep the show with just the characters and maybe the dancers operating/pulling the large animals. Maybe just the lead singer can still join on stage, maybe with two dancers, I think each stage section is big enough to have distance between the singer and the dancers. Other idea I had was to clear the hub entirely for guests and use the space on the hub for some additional dancers.

Of course the crowds will still be a problem, but I think the show itself can be done.

Or their gig was canceled because they don’t expect the parks to be open? Or they decided to hire cheaper drummers? There’s any number of reasons really.

 

[nana1765]

I would disagree that social distancing is our new normal for the rest of time. It's not feasible to expect people to stay 6 feet apart in most settings. That would mean the end of sporting events, cities, public transit and theme parks. It's not like we're going to have pandemics like this on a regular basis. The last one of this scale was a century ago.

I agree!! I can’t imagine young children following all these rules and parents would be stressed out trying to get them to do so. What kind of vacation would that be?? My guess is Disney will change some things in the beginning of the reopening until things slowly get back to some normalcy. I’m also thinking they won’t reopen until this virus starts to weaken and dissipate. These are just guesses. Who really knows for sure what will be?

 

[khmoorefield]

It's irrelevant if you're all over 18.

DS is 2 and when I entered the ages of my stepkids for the second trip I wasn't asked either. Just had to fill in ages.

 

[Karin1984]

Or their gig was canceled because they don’t expect the parks to be open? Or they decided to hire cheaper drummers? There’s any number of reasons really.

These drummers are from a very specific region in India (Rajasthan). I do not think there are many of these groups in France. I would be surprised if the reason is there is a cheaper group.

The park still being closed is more likely, in my opinion. However, the summer season with this show is planned for June 20th to September 13th. I wouldn't be surprised when Disneyland Paris will be closed at the beginning of this season, but I can see that late August & September the park will be open again. With modifications. Maybe they will extend the season when they are fully up and running.

 

[nana1765]

OMG I know, forget it if you have allergies...I am so paranoid that people will think I am sick. LOL

Lol! Me too! I sneezed in Target last week due to allergies and cleared out an aisle!!

 

[MickeyWaffles]

These drummers are from a very specific region in India (Rajasthan). I do not think there are many of these groups in France. I would be surprised if the reason is there is a cheaper group.

The park still being closed is more likely, in my opinion. However, the summer season with this show is planned for June 20th to September 13th. I wouldn't be surprised when Disneyland Paris will be closed at the beginning of this season, but I can see that late August & September the park will be open again. With modifications. Maybe they will extend the season when they are fully up and running.

Or, couldn’t they just be cutting the show completely to save $$$ or avoid people standing shoulder to shoulder to watch a performance? Rumored changes at WDW include no parades, shows or fireworks.

 

[Karin1984]

Or, couldn’t they just be cutting the show completely to save $$$ or avoid people standing shoulder to shoulder to watch a performance? Rumored changes at WDW include no parades, shows or fireworks.

Exactly, it's what I said in my first post modification or cancellation, I just love this show so much I hope for modification ;-)

It's just hard to predict what would be best and what would be worthwhile to invest in. Even though this festival and this show are repeats of last year, and everything is already available, would it be worth it to invest time into rehearsals and special dancers and musicians etc.? If a park goes back to 25 or 50% attendance, they probably do not need special seasons and shows to attract additional guests. I think Disneyland Paris has enough AP holders to fill a park for 25 - 50% who want to go back, regardless of what is offered, and guests who just want to get out.

 

[jknezek]

France just shut down all "large public events" until September. I don't think Disneyland Paris is opening any time before that.

 

[Searc]

France just shut down all "large public events" until September. I don't think Disneyland Paris is opening any time before that.

I think we've found the reason why the drummers had their contract cancelled.

 

[UkDisney73]

France just shut down all "large public events" until September. I don't think Disneyland Paris is opening any time before that.

I dare say Disney will still take money off people for bookings between now and then knowing fully well that they can't open. Seems to be the way at the moment.

 

[Brianstl]

France just shut down all "large public events" until September. I don't think Disneyland Paris is opening any time before that.

I don't know where you saw that, but the French PM just said they are still proceeding ahead with the plan to start easing restrictions on May 11.

https://www.france24.com/en/2020042...veils-france-s-plan-to-ease-covid-19-lockdown

 

[e_yerger]

Shanghai did a full run through of their nighttime fireworks show, Ignite the Dream tonight (today? time zones man....)

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You can view it on instagram on @ mollay's page.

Edit: typo

 

[jknezek]

I don't know where you saw that, but the French PM just said they are still proceeding ahead with the plan to start easing restrictions on May 11.

https://www.france24.com/en/2020042...veils-france-s-plan-to-ease-covid-19-lockdown

Unfortunately it's on my Bloomberg and I can't link the article, but here is the quote...

" Philippe said French restaurants and cafes may be allowed to reopen from June 2, and pupils can start returning to school from May 11 but with strict rules. Public events of more than 5,000 people are outlawed until September and working from home is encouraged for at least three more weeks, he said. "

 

[jknezek]

Not good news if you are Disney... I know this board lots of people are willing to go, but we might not be representative of most of America...

https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/pol...ive-events-before-coronavirus-vaccine-reuters
"Enthusiasm for amusement and theme parks was even bleaker. Fifty-nine percent of respondents said they should not reopen until a vaccine is available. Only 20% said they would visit a theme park when they reopen."

I expect those numbers will improve as things drag on... but you are starting from a very, very low base. I personally have no interest in returning to Disney, going to a movie, or sitting in a sports stadium. I suspect it will be 18 months or some medical advances before I'd want to be in a large unknown crowd.